Question

Why do organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration?
to break down ATP
to break down ATP

to grow and reproduce
to grow and reproduce

to photosynthesize
to photosynthesize

to perform glycolysis

Answer 1

Organisms need to obtain energy via cellular respiration primarily **to grow and reproduce**. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells convert glucose and oxygen into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of the cell. ATP is needed for various cellular processes, including growth, maintenance, and reproduction.

To clarify the other options:

- **To break down ATP**: This is not correct; rather, cellular respiration produces ATP from the breakdown of glucose.

- **To photosynthesize**: Photosynthesis is a process specific to plants, algae, and some bacteria that converts light energy into chemical energy (glucose). Cellular respiration is different and occurs in both autotrophic (self-feeding) and heterotrophic (other-feeding) organisms.

- **To perform glycolysis**: Glycolysis is actually a part of cellular respiration, specifically the first step that breaks down glucose to produce ATP, but the reason for energy acquisition is broader than just this process.

Therefore, the best answer is that organisms obtain energy via cellular respiration **to grow and reproduce**.